Characteristics of Carloforte's bilancelle are the slender and well-open shapes of the ribs.

Construction of these boats started in the 1850's. Early on they were used for transporting iron ore while smaller versions were outfitted for lobster fishing in the Carlofortina areas around the island of Sardinia.

Lines are very streamlined and the boat was fast as it was necessary to be first at the best lobster fishing places.